The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reinforced his commitment to demolish shanties that pose security risks in Abuja, particularly targeting illegal settlements like the recently cleared Ruga area in Wuye. Following a recent inspection of the demolished site, Wike warned that neither protests by displaced residents nor support from certain civil society groups would hinder efforts to secure the city.
The settlement, known locally as Ruga and housing over 10,000 occupants, has been demolished 22 times, according to Wike. Despite these efforts, residents have repeatedly rebuilt the structures, claiming historical ties to the land. Wike made clear that the FCT administration is determined to prevent reconstruction in such zones due to their potential security risks, particularly in areas close to critical infrastructure like rail lines.
“We will continue with the demolition of shanties that pose a security threat to Abuja,” Wike stated, emphasizing that the FCT’s responsibility is to safeguard all residents and maintain order. He called on residents to avoid rebuilding on cleared sites until an official plan for the land is finalized. Additionally, he invited representatives from the affected community to engage in discussions with government officials on Tuesday to explore potential solutions.
The leader of the affected residents, Malam Abba Garo, acknowledged that the community does not claim ownership of the land but appealed for alternative accommodations, stressing the hardship and lack of options for the displaced families.